Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have been linked with the 22-year-old Belgium star, who hit 19 goals in his first Premier League season.

And Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are among Continental clubs keen on Benteke, who put off talks about signing the double-your-money £40,000-a-week contract that Villa put in front of him in May.

But boss Paul Lambert has been given the backing of owner Randy Lerner to play hardball over the future of his star front man, who has three years left on his contract. ­Insiders say that any club will be told to start talking at £25m, and include some extra clauses.

Benteke’s own position remains unclear – but Lambert is advising him to stay put, with the prospect of playing regular Premier League games to help him cement his place as his country’s first- choice forward for next summer’s World Cup.

Already in: Nicklas Helenius has signed for Aston Villa ahead of next season (Image: Getty)